2 Responses

1. cpep27

   December 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am

   1

   I have run a poker club in Arkansas for more than 3 years, and I have found that the closer you can get to a round table the better.
   With an octagon, everyone can see the cards well, dealing is easier, and raking chips (winning a hand) is easier.
   An oval shaped table makes it tough for the players at the ends to see the cards, to deal the cards, and to rake a pot.
   The only way an oval table would be a good use is if the guys had a full-time dealer who sat in the middle of the table and was in control of the game. This rarely happens with “the guys.” Usually each person takes turns dealing.
   On a side note, I would recommend buying your husband two decks of plastic cards. They last forever! If you spill a liquid on them, they can be wiped off and they will still work! You can even wash them in your dishwasher. They are called “Copag” or “Kem” Cards.

2. gnrwar

   December 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm

   2

   The trouble I have with octagon is availability and affordability. There are some really nice octagon tables out there, but they are so nice that they are really expensive. When I worked at Sears, we sold a nice one that went for around $300. They do have the cheap (around $20) table tops available that you would put on your kitchen table or a regular card table, but on the flip-side, those are really cheap. They’re a little better than cheap cardboard with green fuzz on them and some cheap stickers that outline where the flop, turn and river should go. Good for kids, not for man!
   Like the other guy said, the oval ones do have some drawbacks, but you can get some really nice ones for under $100. If you have a Dick’s Sporting Goods in your area, I know for at least the last two seasons (so I’m assuming this season too) at Christmas time they have a table that they normally sell for $99 go as cheap as $69. Now, this table isn’t casino quality, but for 70 or 80 bucks it’s a nice table. A soft felt top, cushioned ring around the outside, and sturdy as all get out. Definitely the way to go if you’re on a budget.
   In reality though, your husband will be thrilled to get either one from you. A wife who is supportive of her poker playing husband is gift enough to any poker player, I promise.
   Goodluck.